Food imprinting cassette means

ABSTRACT

A food imprinting cassette means comprising a flexible image imprintable foodstuff sheet attached to a support means for said sheet of foodstuff, a transfer sheet having an edible coloring material coated on the side of the transfer sheet facing the food sheet with said transfer sheet attached to a peripheral frame which in turn is releasably attached to the support means. The coloring material being transferable to the food sheet when pressure from a stylus is applied to the transfer sheet.

This application is a division of the application having Ser. No.466,060, filed on Dec. 14, 1983, and now U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,292,issuing on July 30, 1985.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to both an apparatus, and the method of itsusage, for copying and reproducing an image onto foodstuffs, or thelike, such as cakes, pies, ice creams, cheese, and the materials,principally for decorating purposes, but more particularly provides forthe transfer rather visually and accurately of any pictorialrepresentation desired for reproduction upon the surface of any relatedtype of aforementioned items.

The prior art concerned with the application of decorative means tovarious foodstuffs, such as the surface of a cake, essentially derivedover the years as an individual craft of the artisans skilled efforts inproviding personalized decorations to such components. For example,early ornamentations provided to cakes, cookies, and related types offoodstuffs, fairly well depended upon the skill, dexterity, andimgination of the baker, or those craftsmen working for him, in order toget any facsimile of decoration upon the finished cake product, or thelike. The problem is, and which now prevails in many areas wherepersonal talents are required, concerns finding such skilled artisans inthis day and age who are still dedicated towards perfecting andperforming their developed arts; and seeking and find such talent isvery difficult.

Hence, and as a result, various substitutes have by necessity beendevised for use for decorating food products, and the process has beenrelegated to a manual manipulation, obviating the need for the talent ofany artisan. For example, in the Seagren U.S. Pat. No. 2,353,594, thereis disclosed means for decorating edible products, and in thisparticular instance, the product generally comprises a bas relief typeof a mold that can be supplied with a quantity of edible solublematerial that is detachably secured thereto and which can be transferredonto the surface of a cake, as shown, for quickly adding decorativenessto the shown food product. Obviously, while this means for decoratingcakes certainly accellerates the time needed to perform this particulartask, once the mold or instrument is constructed for transferring theparticular image desired, only that image alone can be transferredduring subsequent applications. Hence, both the means for decoration,and the image produced, is governed by a fixed parameter that does notallow for variation in the reproduction of the image as derived fromthis prior art type of invention.

Various other food decorating proccesses have been given consideration,more contemporarily, such as shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,287, asdevised by Golchert. The disclosed process provides a method fordecorating various confectionery food items such as cakes, and the like,through the application of a thin transfer medium through a designedtransfer sheet that can be applied, as through rubbing, as shown anddescribed, to the surface of a food product. This particular foodconcept, in the prior art, is not too unlike the method in whichchildren transfer tattoos, or the like, from a tranfer sheet to thesurface of their skin, or clothing, in order to obtain a transpositionof image. See also U.S. Pat. No. 683,765, that issued to Howard. But,once again, the image obtained is obviously fixed and predetermined bythe pictorial representation originally applied to the transfer sheetitself. Variations on it cannot be obtained, unless a differing image ispreviously imprinted onto the transfer sheet itself.

Various other prior art transferring devices have been considered in theprior art, such as the pressure-sensitive reusable transfer elementshown in the Brown, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,803, but the identifiedinvention is totally unrelated to the culinary arts, and has nothing todo with the field of edible products. As explained therein, the reusabletransfer element is of the squeeze-out type known in the carbon paperand ribbon field, includes a bonding layer of a resinous ink materialbeing applied to it, wherein the composition comprises a water-solublefilm forming binder material and having a micro-porous surface foracceptance of the ink layer in a particular pattern for use duringpressure-sensitive applications.

It is, therefore, the principle object of this invention to providemeans for transferring an image onto the surface of edible foodstuffs,or other material, through the use of the apparatus of this inventionwherein the parameters for the design to be transferred can be variedsimply through a replacement of the photographic image, or other design,functioning as the source image for transfer during performance of theinvention.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic mechanical,chemical, optical and electronic method for the transfer of any desiredimage from a photograph or other picture to an edible surface or thelike while obviating the need for any skilled or artistic performanceduring application of the process.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus thatuniquely combines all or part of the above stated elements for thetransfer of images to the surface of a cake, or other foodstuff.

Another object of this invention is the method for transferring a highlyaccurate image for reproduction upon the surface of an edible item andwhich can be performed repeatedly through a totally automated process.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a mechanicalapparatus for use for either scribing directly to, or for transpositionof chemical or other edible dyes upon a transfer sheet to the surface ofa cake, or the confections utilized as a surface coating upon such afoodstuffs, or related type of items.

Yet another object of this invention is to furnish the construction, andits operation, for a uniquely developed scribing instrument useful foreither directly transcribing, or cooperating with transfer means, forreproducing a source image upon another and discrete surface.

Still another object of this invention is to provide means forconveniently forming and transferring an image to a remote source afterits optical derivation from the photograph, digital storage, a livescene, or the like, as the initial image of focus during a processing.

Yet a very convenient object of this invention is to transfer theportrait of a person, such as a birthday or anniversary celebrant,directly and clearly onto the confectioned surface of a cake, or thelike.

Still another object of this invention is to mechanize the processing oflayered material, such as a layer of textured confection, to reproducean image or other pictorial representation thereon, for its readyapplication to the surface of a cake, or the like, as being decorated.

Yet another object of this invention is to develop into cassette formthe various means used in the automated transfer of and reproductionupon a foodstuff or the like of an image from a remote source.

Another object of this invention is to provide the means for reproducingin multi-colored medium an image onto the surface of foodstuff, orrelated item, from a remote source.

Still a primary object of this invention is to provide the desiredconstituent of a receptor foodstuff upon which an image from a differingsource is reproduced.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel process forperforming image transferring with respect to foodstuffs.

These and other object will become more apparent to those skilled intheart upon reviewing the summary of this invention, and upon undertaking astudy of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of thedrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention contemplates the definition of mechanical means for usein image transfer, and more specifically as constructed for reproducingrather accurately an image from a photograph, or the like, directly to aspecially prepared foodstuff, to enhance it decoratively, informatively,or for other purposes. This invention essentially comprises acombination of principle features, which either taken individually havetheir own developed useful entity, but which function under the termsand conditions of this invention to provide in combination an overallimage reproducing apparatus for use for the automated decorating ofcakes, foodstuffs, or the like. The essential features of this inventioninclude a mechanical apparatus that is useful for taking, optically,images from a pictorial representation, and transferring the same bothoptically and electronically to a remote source for scribing orutilizing other means for transfer of the converted image to another anddifferent surface.

A second feature of this invention considers the formation of a uniquefoodstuff in the category of a disc or other sheet material fabricatedfrom a fibrous confection, and which may have the reproduced imagedirectly scribed upon it, or have it transferred through transfer mediumto its surface, so that the now imaged sheet can be applied to thesurface of a cake, or other foodstuff, for ready usage, as for example,for use in a birthday or anniversary celebration, and to be convenientlyconsumed.

Thirdly, the invention envisions the formation of a cassette type ofmeans that may incorporate both the foodstuffs sheet, in cooperationwith the transfer medium, such as a carbon like sheet of material, andwhich contains the colorable mediums to be transferred to the surface ofthe foodstuffs, so that the entire process can be commercialized forready application by a user of the inventive apparatus, and regardlesswhether it be the homemaker, the commercial establishment, or appliedduring industrial operations.

The apparatus of this invention includes a base member and housinghaving the combination of a turntable rotatably mounted thereon, andhaving further arranged in close proximity therewith anelectro-mechanical or other electronically operated scribing instrumentthat may apply a reproduced image directly to the surface of thefoodstuffs sheet as conveniently arranged upon the turntable, orfunction as a means for scribing through a transfer sheet of singular ormultiple colored inks to the foodstuffs surface. More particularly, theoperations of the scribing means are controlled electronically throughsignals received from an optical means that receives the picture andimage being reproduced from a source, and which source likewise rotatesin unison with the turntable, so that received visual images conveyed bymeans of optics to a phototransistor or similar instrument can produceelectric signals in direct sequence that determines the intensity offunctioning of the scribing means, as during its performance of anactual transfer of an image to the foodstuff's surface.

The scribing instrument itself comprises a uniquely constructedelectro-mechanical means, having a ferromagnetic core incorporating atleast one electromagnet that controls the vibratory like pivoting of ascriber arm arranged within an air gap constructed along one side of anarranged core. A scribing instrument, such as a stylus, or the like, ismounted by resilient means upon the underside of the pivot arm, anddepending upon the quality and intensity of the signal transferred tothe electromagnetics, the breadth of the scribe lines generated throughmovement of the stylus will be either intense, to provide a moredarkened facsimile of the point transfer of the image at that instance,or the vibrations will be weak, thereby lightening the intensity of thetransfer. This occurs regardless whether the transfer by way of thestylus is being made directly into the surface of the foodstuff, or asin the preferred embodiment, through the application of transfer mediumssuch as specially designed edible dye created carbon type papers thatcan transfer colors to the surface of the foodstuff during applicationof this apparatus, through its electro-mechanically vibrated stylus.

The apparatus, more particularly its optics, may include various filterssuch as infrared rejectors, that refine the image optically derived fromthe source photograph, so as to assure that a commercial grade imagewill be transferred onto the surface of the foodstuff sheet.

Various electronic controls cooperating in combination with themechanical apparatus, its optics transfer means, all in order to assurethe proper operation of all of the electrical instrumentations includedwithin the functional apparatus, in addition to providing proper theprocessing of the representative signal that renders functionally thescribing instrument of this invention.

As previously briefly explained, the foodstuffs itself utilized inperformance of this invention preferably includes a specially derivedconfeaction, and whether it be of any of the various flavors readilyavailable upon the market, such as chocolate, vanilla, or the like, butone which has been specially treated to enhance its fibrous content,such as through the application a more fibrous like foodstuffs, orprotein source, such as the spun protein derived from the processedsoybean, or through the addition of a more likely available fibroussource such as marshmallow, or any foodstuffs of related texture. Theparticular combinations of these compositions when blended into afoodstuffs, to develop the texture needed for fabrication of the sheetsof the material, are more aptly described in a subsequent part of thisapplication.

In addition to the foregoing, the invention contemplates the greatercommercialization of this particular invention, by fabricating theapparatus not only as an industrial instrument, but one which can alsobe made reasonably portable for ease of usage and application by thehomemaker. In either event, the foodstuffs may be combined into acassette like instrument, that is prepackaged to contain the sheet ofedible foodstuffs, as previously explained, and having closely alignedto it various transfer sheets that are useful for the ready imprintingof an edible dye, of one or more colors, directly to the surface overthe foodstuffs, upon installation of the cassette within the apparatusof this invention.

The combination of all of the components of this invention, aspreviously explained, and the novel and enhanced results obtainedtherefrom, cannot really be appreciated until one observes thebeneficial results obtained from use of this invention. Attention isdirected to FIG. 13 wherein is depicted an actual reproduction throughmechanical scribing of a very clear image of the inventor's daughteronto the surface of a cake through usage and application of thisinvention. The results, as can be seen, are quite startling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of the housing enclosed foodstuffsimage processing and apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 provides an isometric view of the operating components for theimage processing apparatus of one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 provides an isometric partial view of the carriage means andscribing instrument of one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 provides an isometric view of the electro-mechanically operativescribing instrument of this invention;

FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of the generalized operating conceptsof this invention;

FIG. 6 provides a block diagram of generalized digital electroniccontrols which may be used with the various embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 7 provides a generalized block diagram of this invention;

FIG. 8a provides a circuit diagram of the electrical controls of thisinvention;

FIG. 8b provides a circuit diagram of the limit switches and motor meansfor providing some control for the scribing instrument of thisinvention;

FIG. 8c provides an example of a circuit diagram for the electronicprocessing of the image that may be used in select embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 9 provides an isometric view of a more portable type foodstuffsimage processing and apparatus for this invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the internal operating optical componentsfor the apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 provides a sectional view of a cassette holding the foodstuffsand transfer sheet of this invention;

FIG. 12 provides a plan view of the invention shown in FIG. 11; and,

FIG. 13, as previously mentioned, provides an angulated view of anactual reproduction of an image upon a birthday cake as processedthrough the apparatus of this invention, showing scribed reproductionjust explained.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, initially thereis shown by way of example, one of the preferred embodiments of theinvention upon this foodstuffs imaging process and apparatus, and whichin its packaged fabrication includes a cover 1 having vent apertures 2located through the cover, and in this particular instance, beingarranged through the sides, and the cover generally is hingedly mountedin order to provide for its pivoting upwardly so as to expose theoperating components of the device therein, such as disclosed in FIG. 2.But, the unit also shows, as disclosed in these two figures, variouscontrol mechanisms including the main off/on switch 3, the switch forinitiating carriage movement either inwardly or outwardly, as at 4, theswitch means for controlling the contrast developed during the imagingprocess, as at 5, including an indicator dial at 6, for visuallyobserving the intensity of the set contrast, and, then finally, abrightness control dial 7.

The specific construction of the prototype of this unit is shown in FIG.2, and comprises the base 8 that holds the various motorized mechanisms,as for example, for providing for turning of the turntable 9 and uponwhich the sheet of edible material, as will be subsequently analyzed, asat 10, is located by means of gripping means 11, and held firmly inplace in preparation for an image imprinting process to take place. Apair of upright stanchions 12 are mounted upon the base 8, and extendupwardly towards their upper ends where they have affixed thereto acrossbar that is useful for holding various operating components forthis apparatus. A blower 14 is bracketed to the surface of the base 8,and during operations of the device, and since there are variousilluminating means and lenses incorporated into the operation of thisapparatus, provides for dissipation of heat from its functionalcomponents during performance of the imaging process. And, as previouslyexplained, such heat will be vented through operations of the blowerfrom the arranged vent holes 2 provided through the cover 1.

Also provided for rotation simultaneously with the turn Table 9 is anupright support 15 which is integrated into the construction of themotor mechanism (not shown) contained within the base 8, for providingsimultaneous rotation for the said table 9. Upon the upper end of thesupport 15 is a platform 16, and which is of sufficient dimension so asto provide for a temporary mounting thereon of a photograph or otherpicture or image of that person or item intended to be transferredthrough the use of this imaging process. There is a photograph, as at17, shown mounted by means of various adhesive or other fastening means18 to the upper end of the surface. It is to be noted that the uprightsupport 15 is actually a pair of components, such as the rod 19 that isfastened within the sleeve 20 and which two components are held relativewith respect to each other upon fixing of the clamp 21. The reason forthis feature is to provide a means for releasing the upper rod 15, so asto allow lifting and turning to the side the bridging assembly 36, forreplacement of the foodstuff 10, in a manner very similar to lifting thearm for changing a record in a record player.

There is further shown a bracket 22 fastened to the cross arm 13 bymeans of the fasteners 23 and which bracket has a lower laterallyextending portion 24 having an aperture, as at 25, provided therethrough and through which the upright support 15 extends and isstabilized in positioning.

The cross arm 13, as previously explained, extends between thestanchions 12, but this particular cross arm might be more aptly definedas an optics bridge, and which is useful for holding various imagefocusing and transferring means that cooperate rather effectively andprecisely during the functioning of this particular appartus. Initially,there is a light source 26 bracketed to the left side stanchion 12, andrests upon its supporting base 27, which when lighted, directs itslumins towards a mirror 28 which is supported by means of brackets 29 tothe underside of the cross arm 13. The light is reflected by themirrored surface towards the exposed platform supported photograph 17,with the image being reflected towards a second mirror 30 which is alsoheld by means of a bracket 31 to the underside of the cross arm 13. Thereflected image from the mirror 30 is directed through the series ofprojector lenses 32, which likewise, is bracketed, as at 33, to theunderside of the said cross arm 13. Finally, the projected image isfocused upon a further mirror 34 for reflecting, once again, at adownward angle and towards the direction of the printing means of thisinvention, which will be subquently described.

There may be also provided upon the cross arm 13 a fan 35, which isuseful, when operating, to direct some ventilating air directly towardsthe platform means, at the area of the photograph, in order to preventthe buildup of any heat thereat, which may possibly damage thephotograph.

It can also be seen that an additional bridge means 36 is ratherresiliently supported by means of spring biased rods 37 and 38 upon thebase 8, and which essentially is disposed overlying the foodstuff 10, assecured upon the turntable 9, of this apparatus. Basically, this bridgemeans 36 is designed for supporting for operation the scribing head 39that actually provides for the transmitting of the image, by means ofscribing, printing, or the like, onto the surface of the arranged foodmeans. Essentially, a small, geared, DC motor 40 is rigidly fastened tothe underside of the bridge means 36, and its output shaft 41 connectswith an axially aligned feed screw 42 that is mounted for rotation, inboth directions, upon the underside of the said bridge means. This feedfurnishes the means for driving, in one of two directions, the imagescribing means, with the support for said means being afforded throughthe bridge means 36, as will be subsequently described. A pressureadjustment may be attained for the relative positioning of the scribingmeans 39 with respect to the foodstuff 10 through an adjustment of theadjustment means 43, operatively mounted upon the support rods 37 and38, so that the degree of pressure exerted by the scribing head 39 uponthe foodstuff, during its setting and functioning, can be preciselycontrolled, in order that a clearer physical manifestation and image ofthe picture being transmitted can be quickly attained.

Also provided upon the bridge means 36 is a frame 44, having a pair sidebraces 45 and 46, and into which may be slid, if desired and needed, afilter (not shown) which may be used for regulating image spectraldistribution during its transmission. In addition, secured upon theframe member 44 is a phototransistor 47, which receives the point imagebeing reflected from the photograph 17, and through which the intensityof the light of the image being transmitted is processed electricallyfor furnishing electrical pulses that regulate the intensity ofenergization and operation of the scribing means 39, during performanceof the physical printing process upon the foodstuffs 10.

FIG. 3 provides, as previously explained, a closer view of the scribinghead means 39, as supported by the bridge member 36. As shown, the framemember 44 includes the two supports 45 and 46, and each of which areslotted, as at 47a, for holding any filter that may be required. Inaddition, the case of the phototransistor 47 is also shown as mountedupon the frame member. The frame member is bracketed, by means of thefasteners 48 to a plate 49, and the plate includes upright extendingrail means 50, having the bearing arms 51 in close proximity with thebearing arms 52 of the bridge member 36, so that the retained bearings53 provide for a near frictionless displacement of the member 50, whichsupports the scribing means 39, with respect to the bridging member 36,as the scribing member is slowly moved radially, either inwardly oroutwardly, by means of the functioning of the feed screw 42, duringoperations of this imaging apparatus.

Extending downwardly from the base plate 49 are additional mounts, as at54, and which provide various electrical fittings, as at 55, whichfurnish quick connection of the various terminals and electrical cablesthat emanate from the electronic controls of this particular device, aswill be subsequently explained. In addition, similar type of electricalcable or wire means, as at 56, interconnect between the phototransistor47, into one of these fittings 55, for further processing of theenergized light converted signal to afford operations to the scribingmeans 39.

It can also be seen that provided upon the mount 55 is a threaded head57, having its thread means furnished through an aperture, as at 58, andthrough which the feed screw 42 interconnects to afford movement to thescribing means 39, and in effect provides carriage for it between theextremes of its stroke during operations of this particular imagingprocess.

The actual scribing means 39 is shown more accurately in FIG. 4. Asconstructed, this scribing means functions as a writing head, whichphysically reproduces or scribes image lines upon the foodstuff 10 andwhich scribe lines are regulated through the intensity of the lightbeing transmitted through the imaging means, from the photograph, as at17, so that an actual physical manifestation of the image upon thephotograph is scribed directly onto the foodstuff, to provide a visuallyobservable identical or very nearly similar, image of that which isbeing transmitted.

This writing head 39 consists of two electromagnets 59 and 60,surrounding a common ferromagnetic core 61, with a slightly pivotal orshifting arm 62 being arranged, at one end, pivotally mounted by meansof a pivot pin 63 to the core 61, while at its approximate opposite endthe said arm 62 is free to slightly shift within a formed air gap 64,with the degree of shift being fixed and determined depending upon thespace of the gap 64, and any nonferromagnetic bumpers 65 providedapproximate the air gap disposed surfaces of the core 61. When one ofthe two electromagnets is energized, as when a signal is transmittedfrom the phototransistor, after conversion to energization, the pivotarm 62 shifts slightly, as within a vibratory-like movement, until ithits one of the bumpers, or both of the same, during its reciprocal typeshifting within the air gap, depending upon the intensity of the signalbeing transmitted to electromagnets 59 and 60. When the electricalenergy is released from one or both of the electromagnets, or when theother electromagnet is being activitated, the arm moves in an oppositedirection, in order to establish these vibratory or reciprocal likemotions for the arm 62. This movement is transferred to the arm heldspring lever 66, and thence to its stylus 67, which two components arereasonably firm in their construction, but having some flexibility forslide vertical displacement, so that there is applied a rather constantpressure in the vertical direction through the writing head or stylus tothe foodstuff 10 upon which the lines of scribe, is shown at 68, arebeing made. Actually, as described herein, it is hinted that the linesof scribe are made directly to the surface of the foodstuff 10, and incertain instances this may be desirable, but in the preferredembodiment, and as will be subsequently analyzed, the tranfer of theimage is actually made through the usage of a transfer sheet, thatthrough the stylus impresses and transfers a color or the like to thesurface of the foodstuff, during image transfer.

The actual physical dimensions for the stylus 67 may be to that degreewhich most effectively provides for the tranfer of an image to thesurface to the foodstuff, and yet not tear the foodstuff or transfersheet it uses. It may either be in the form of a pointed object, orperhaps rounded at its lower dimension, in order to afford the degree ofclarity or homogenous color transfer, that obviates the appearance ofscribe lines, where uniformity of color or image is desired astranferred to the foodstuff.

It must also be recognized, as previously explained, that the image uponthe photograph 17 rotates in unison with the turntable 9, and the speedand degree of turn of the feed screw 42 holding the scribing means 39 islikewise closely coordinated thereto, so that precise image transfertakes place at a time when the actual facsimile of the photographicimage will be transmitted to the surface of the foodstuff, so as toavoid any discoordination that may otherwise prevent the visual transferof the image, or furnish lines of aberration in the transferred imagethat detracts from the quality and degree of its appearance.

A number of schematics may provide a resume of the several mechanismsand electronic control mechanisms that generally provide for operationof this invention, and which will provide a lead-in to the detailedarrangement of the electrical components, electronic components, andciricuit diagrams employed in the preferred embodiment. For example, inreferring to FIG. 5, the main electronic control means 69 is initiallyturned on, and its various contrasts, brightness, and intensityparameters are regulated through the control panel 70. The variousmechanical operating components of the invention, such as previouslyanalysed, as for example the foodstuff 71 supported upon its handlingmeans 72 and controlled through its mechanisms 73 are controlled fromthe control means 69, as aforesaid. Means for both sensitizing aphotograph, or other image to be produced, such as mounted upon the basemember 74 is achieved through an input control means 75, which not onlyprovides means for sensitizing the image to be reproduced, but likewisereceive signals, whether by means of photo sensitive means, scanningmeans, or any other form of detecting means, which are then processedand transferred to an image processing means 76, and which processessaid data and transfers it to the control means 69, as aforesaid. Fromthe control means further regulation is made of the imprinting means 77,by its servomechanism control means 78, and through the control means69, both the operations of the imprint means, and the preparation of thefoodstuff means 71 for reception of the imprint, is precisely regulated.

A more generalized block diagram of this invention, is shown in FIG. 7.The image is inputted through input means 83, an image processor 84processes the optical images into electric signals, which then transfersthose signals to an image imprinter 85, such as the scribing head means39 as previously explained. In addition, the input means 83 send signalsto a control circuitry 86, which may provide for the synchronousoperation of various other mechanisms, such as the panel 87 that maydisplay the facimile of the image to be imprinted, and in addition, thecontroller 86 may provide for synchronous operation of the foodstuffhandler 88, so that the operations of the handler, such as the turntable9, will be coordinated with the operations of the image imprinter 85,such as previously explained with respect to the scribing head 39, sothat the foodstuff with the accurately and visually perceptable imagedecorated foodstuff, or the like, can then be delivered as the endproduct. Obviously, the foodstuff will have already been delivered tothe handler, as by means of a delivery system by way of line 89, andlikewise, the food coloring means, for proper operation of the imprintermeans 85, can be delivered to he image imprinter by way of proccessingline 90.

Specific electrical controls that may be used in select embodiments ofthis invention, and more particularly, the embodiment described in FIG.2, are shown in FIG. 8.

The electrical schematics of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIG.8. FIG. 8A shows the electrical connection of the various componentswhich are connected to the mains supply via a receptacle 92 and theon-off switch 3. The power supply 91 is a typicaI d.c. regulated powersupply with three regulated outputs, namely 12 V, 8 V and 5 V. Thesevoltages are connected to the appropriate lines as indicated in FIGS. 8Aand 8B. In addition, the turntable 9, the "on" indication light bulb186, the fan 35, the blower 14, and the light source 26, are allconnected to the switched mains supply lines 94 and 95. FIG. 8B showsthe connection of the radial motor 40 and its indicating lamp 187. Thismotor 40 can move in two directions, as controlled by the position ofthe "in-out" switch 4. To avoid over movement of the scribing head 39,two limit switches are installed on the bridge 36 at the appropriatepositions, as seen in FIG. 2. When the scribing head 39 assembly hitsone of the limit switches 188, this switch disconnects the motor fromthe power supply line 189, and the motor can move only to the oppositedirection by changing the position of the direction switch 4.

FIG. 8C discloses the electronic processing chain from thephototransistor 47 to the coils 59 and 60 of the scribing head. Thelight-induced current in the phototransistor 47 is driven to the base ofa transistor 190. The transistor 190 is biased to operate in anon-linear mode, i.e. the collector current is approximately anexponential function of the base current. The non-linear gain isadjusted by the "contrast" resistor 5. Two resistors, 191 and 192,maintain proper limits of the contrast. The non-linearity was foundexperimentally to result better image quality than lineartransformation. This is similar to "gamma correction" of image densityin the art of photography. The collector current is converted to avoltage by a resistor 193. This voltage is further amplified by a simpleoperational amplifier 194, such as National Semiconductor type LM 324,which is connected as an inverting amplifier by the resistors 195 and196, and a bias voltage is generated by adding current to the summingpoint 197 by a resistor 180, connected to a potentiometer 7 which actsas a "brightness" control. The output of the amplifier 194 is monitoredby voltmeter 6, to ease the adjustment of the contrast and brightnesscontrols. The pulse rate of approximately 60 hertz is generated by afree running oscillator 198 which is implemented by the industrystandard timer type 555 in its free running mode. The pulses from theoscillator 198 are driven to another 555 timer 199, which operates in amonostable mode, so that the pulse rate is controlled by the oscillator181, and the pulse width is controlled by the output voltage of theamplifier 194. A transistor 200 is connected as a current source bythree resistors 201 in order to get linear dependency of the pulse widthas a function of the control voltage from the amplifier 194. The pulsesof the timer 199 are driving the two electromagnets 59 and 60 of thescribing head 39 via two drive circuits. The first circuit is atwo-stage amplifier which includes a PNP transistor 202 with tworesistors 203, and another NPN driver transistor 204, such as 2N3055,with a base resistor 205. The opposite electromagnet has a similardriver 206, but this driver is preceeded by an open-collector logicalinverter consisting of a transistor 207 and a resistor 208.

Whereas the embodiment for the imaging processing apparatus of thisinvention, as previously explained with respect to FIG. 2, is an exampleof the prototype of this invention, which operates quite effectively,and which may have industrial application, an example of amulti-scribing image reproducing apparatus of a more portable nature,and which may be used for small commercial operations, or even fordomestic usage, is shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the housing 150mounting upon its base 151 has its frontal disposed control panel 152,functioning similarly to that which was previously described withrespect to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This particularapparatus is adaptable for receiving a cassette type food means to beimaged, and which will be subsequently explained, in greater detail,with a cassette designed for inserting within guide rails 153 and 154 ofthe turntable 155. An aperture, as at 156, is arranged for reception ofthe photograph or other pictorial image to be reproduced, as will besubsequently explained, with respect to the internal mechamisms thatcontrol the operations of this particular apparatus. And, it is alsolikely, although it is not shown, that any type of a tray means may bemounted laterally of this particular apparatus 150, in order tocontinuously feed the cassette means into the apparatus, forinstallation upon its turntable 155, to provide for continuous andrepeated imaging of food means that may be used for decorating variousculinary items, such as cakes, or the like. Automatic delivery means mayfunction with any such carriage in order to automate this operation. Abridge means 157 is held up by means of spring supports 158, and isgenerally drawn down into a proximity relationship above the food meansto be imaged by means of a control solenoid(s) 159. This drawing out ofthe bridge means 157 transfers the tips of the plurality of writing orscribing head means 160 into contact with the upper surface of any foodmeans located upon the turntable 155. These scribing heads 160 areattached to for movement under the bridge means 157 by means of ashiftable carriage 161, the movement of which carriage, and itssuspended scribing heads 160, is accomplished by means of a mechanizedgear box 162. In also referring to FIG. 10, this gear box 162 isoperatively associated with its feed screw 163 that provides forshifting of the carriage 161, during scribing operations of thisapparatus. The aperture 156, as previously explained, being arrangedthrough the central portion of the turntable 155, provides a locationwhere the photograph or other means to be reproduced may be located, andto provide for its simultaneous rotation with the said turntable. Thepicture being reproduced is exposed to light coming from a light source164, driven by its power supply 165, being respectively, an incandescentlight bulb powered from a d.c. power supply. A direct current is used toavoid light flicker in the bulb 164. Light passes through afilter-condenser FIG. 166 that eliminates infrared radiation and shapesthe spectral response of the light source to resemble white visiblelight most useful for good electrical reproduction of the image. Thislight is reflected or scattered from the photographic image, it issensed by a semi-conductor light sensitive array 167. These may comprisean array of phototransistors, such as may be obtained from GeneralElectric Company, Auburn, N.Y. under model number L14C1. The light afterpassing through the lens 168, and one of several filters 169, which havevarious spectral responses which are suitable for analysis of colorcomponents of the light, such as tristimulus components which are knownin the art of colorimetry. The spectral response of said filters is alsoselected so as to compensate for the non-flat spectral response of thesensors 167. The combination of the light from the light source 164, thefilter and condenser 166, from the photographic image contained withinthe aperture 156, and the lens 168, can be recognized and identified asan opaque projector to one familiar with the art of optical projection.

The position of the scribing heads 160 of this embodiment is keptsychronized with the projected picture elements. This sychronization isachieved with the aid of various gears, such as operatively associatedwithin the gear box 162, in addition to the gears associated with thegear boxes 168, the drive shaft 169a, and the gears of the gear box 170.The turntable is turned by means of the motor 171, so that theturntable's rotation, combined with the precise movement of the carriagewith its scribing heads 160, form a mechanical scanning system whichscans the area of the cassette, generating a scanning pattern in theform of a helix, of concentric but continuous rings, or any other formof scanning pattern for the area. The shape of this pattern depends uponthe distribution of the writing heads along the carriage. And, the gearbox 170 is reversible so that the carriage can be moved in a reversedirection, when necessary, by electrical control of the processor 172,and the electrical connector 185.

It should be obvious that under an alternative procedure, parallel linesscanning methods could be employed, but one of the main reasons forpreferring circular scanning is an aesthetic one, namely to distinguishthe edible scanned image from those obtained on television screens, lineprinters, and the like.

Electrical signals which are generated in the light sensors 167 inresponse to the projected image, are fed into an electronic imageprocessor 172. This will be described in FIG. 6. The main function ofthe image processor is to generate drive signals for transmission to thestylus of the scribing means 160. The signals are being transferred tothe scribing head means by way of electrical cable 173, and since thesewriting heads have electromagnets associated with them, as previouslyexplained, when energized, they cause a transversal vibration of itsattached stylus over the foodstuff of the cassette, thus effectivelyvarying the widths of the scanned or scribed lines according to theamplitude of the vibrations.

FIG. 6 affords a block diagram of a digital image processor of thisinvention, and more specifically the image processor 172. Thisparticular processor may be use with any of the embodiments described inthis application. The analogue signals at the light sensors 167, arereceived therein, are processed and sequentially scanned and convertedto digital numbers by a data acquisition and conversion subsystem 78.This data acquisition card is available from National SemiconductorCorporation of Santa Clara, Calif. and this card, comprises model numberADS1216HC, is a 16-channel 12-bit data acquisition system and memory.The conversion and the scanning rate are carefully controlled by a bus79, electrically connected with a digital processor 80. A typicalscanning rate, such as performed by the input means, such as 167, aspreviously explained, may scan at the rate of sixty times per second. Ifan array of eight sensors are used, where a plurality of such sensorsare utilized in conjunction with the operations of this apparatus, andwhich corresponds with eight writing heads, where a plurality ofscribing head means are utilized, such as the one shown at 39, then 480analogue to digital conversions per second will be required, with apreferred 8 bits resolution. These requirements are easily obtainablewith current electronic techniques available upon the market. Theconverted numbers are input to the digital processor 80, as previouslydescribed, with the aid of an input/output subsystem 81. This subsystemcomprises an integral part of any acquired subsystem 78, or processor80. The digital processor 80 is a microprocessor with a program storedin its read/only memory (ROM). This digital processor 80 is a form ofmicrocomputer board, and can be obtained from Motorola, Inc., ofPhoenix, Ariz., and is generally identified as its Versa MonoboardMicrocomputer #M68KVM01A1. The digital processor has two major tasks toperform, the first of which is related to image processing, in which thenumbers, which have been entered from the data acquisition subsystem 78,are transformed into electrical pulses of a constant frequency (60 Hz)and variable duty cycle, wherein the duty cycle of the said outputpulses, which correspond to the picture elements' brightness, arerelated to said input numbers through an image processing algorithm.

A preferred algorithm sets the duty cycle of each pulse according to theequation: Duty Cycle=a(I+b), wherein a is a gain factor, and b is a biasfactor, with both being kept constant at all times during copying of oneimage, and are being determined, before copying starts, by performingone idling cycle of the disk without writing, by keeping the solenoids,as will be subsequently explained, particularly with respect to theportable apparatus shown in FIG. 9, released, and finding the brightestand the darkest points in all of the sensors. When the idling cycle iscomplete, a is being set inversely proportional to the differencebetween the two extreme readings, and b is being set in proportion tothe average reading of all of the points along the photographic scan.The variable I is the current sensor reading. This algorithm is just oneexample of many other algorithms available in the art of imageprocessing, and which are suitable for this current image processor andapparatus.

The second task of the digital processor 80 may be colloquially called"housekeeping". It includes several auxillery tasks such as scanning thefront panel keys 152, scanning position sensors, such as an opticalposition sensor 186 shown in FIG. 10 that senses the angle of theturntable 155. Such might be needed in order to count the number ofrevolutions of the platform, turning motors on and off, as required,acknowledging operators error messages on the panel, and other controltasks. These housekeeping tasks and the image processing tasks are beingcarried out by software means and by hardware means, which may include abi-directional electronic interface 81A, which contains variouscomponents, such as power transistors, optically coupled thyristortriggers, comparators, and the like.

As previously explained, a cassette type of arrangement may be made forthe foodstuff means to be imaged under this process, and it may be onethat may be packaged for ease of marketing for both industrial purposes,or even to the home owner or small commercial establishment, and thatemploy the food imaging means and apparatus of this invention. As shownin FIGS. 11 and 12, one such cassette is disclosed. This pre-packagedcassette means, as at 174, includes a sheet of the foodstuff 175 that isto be imprinted. The type of foodstuffs involved will be thoroughlyanalyzed subsequently in this applicaton. The various dimensionsdisclosed for the arrangement of the components for this cassette meansare rather accentuated, in order to better show the type of componentsinvolved, their relationship to one another, and how they may beproperly used. Actually, the dimensions of spacing for these variouscomponents will be smaller than and not as large as that shown in thesedrawings, in order to maintain contiguousness for the parts held by thecassette. The foodstuff 175 to be imprinted, or colored, is supportedupon a relatively nonflexible packaging type of material, as at 176, andthis base material may be any form of paperboard, cardboard, that may belaminated with wax, plastic, foil, or the like, in order to add safestructural support for the components. Rail means, as at 177, may beprovided extending from the lower side of the base means 176, and maycooperate with the rails 153, and 154, of the turntable, in order toallow for quick installation of the cassette therein for ready usage andprocessing by the apparatus. An image transfer sheet 178 is attached toa peripheral frame 179, in order to provide separation of the transfersheet from the food means to be imprinted, and to prevent theunauthorized or untimely contact of the transfer sheet colors to thesaid food means. In addition, having a peripheral frame 179 located atthis location, means that it may be removed, since it may only bereleasably adhered to the base member 176, so that other color transfersheets may be located thereon, where multiple coloring for the processedimaged may be desired. A relatively thin film 180 is arrangedintermediate the transfer sheet 178, and the food means 175, so as toprevent the premature transfer of any coloring to the foodstuffs, in theevent that rough handling may occur for the cassette 174. And, theentire cassette may be enclosed within a flexible packaging material181, although its flexibility may not be too great so that sufficientprotection can be provided to the cassette components located therein.And, when the cassette is ready for usage, the packaging material 181may be simply torn free to reveal the cassette for installation, uponthe turntable, and at the same time, the separating film 180 may beremoved or pulled free so as to provide clear exposure of the transfersheet 178, and its coloring composition to the food means 175.Obviously, the coloring means upon the transfer sheet will be upon itsinterior surface, directly above the food means there below. And, aspreviously explained, the dimension between the transfer sheet 178, andthe food means 175, is minuscule, so that all the stylus needs simply dois slightly touch upon the transfer sheet in order to achieve a contacttransfer of its coloring means to the food sheet 175. Once the packagingmaterial 181 is removed, and as can be seen in FIG. 12, the transfersheet 178, overlying the food means 175, is readily disposed, and theremay also be provided or imprinted various identification marks, as at182, upon the surface of the transfer sheet, so that these marks mayprovide ready identification of the various coloring ink or inks, orother means that are provided upon the transfer sheet, and which couldbe sensed by proper sensors upon the apparatus when installed in orderto provide further regulation for the type of image processing algorithmthat may be used for that kind of transfer sheet, and the cassette,during food means imaging. For example, these marks 182 may be sensedbefore the copying stage and before stylus application is performed,such as when the turntable may advance through idling rotation, underthe control of the apparatus, and assign various binary numbers to thesignals from the sensors in order to select the right filters that willbe necessary for furnishing proper optics that are required forobtaining an image from the photograph, or other means to be copied, andto assure proper operation of the various sensor means, such as thelight sensitive array 167, as previously explained. Proper filteringwithin the processor is necessary in order to prevent the impropercombinations of foodstuff and transfer sheet that may be mistakenlyinserted into the apparatus in preparation for an imprinting operation.

Another feature that may be incorporated into the cassette are slottedsupports 183, to which the photograph may be fixed, to enable insertionof both the foodstuff means and the photograph, as a cassette, in thesame, single insertion operation.

The pressure sensitive transfer element or sheet 178, usually in theform of a sheet, is conceptually similar to non-edible carbon paper andthe like. Upon applying pressure to various segments of the sheet,thereby slightly shifting the transfer sheet close to the surface of thefoodstuff means 175, edible coloring material is transferred between thesheet and the food means, only in those segments wherein pressure hasbeen applied by a stylus. The transfer can be made either from thefoodstuff to the sheet, assuming that the foodstuff has been pre-coatedwith a thin opaque layer of different coloring material, or it can betransferred from the transfer sheet as edible coloring material to thesurface of the food means 175 itself. When such occurs, it causes acolor change in the food means, upon its surface, directly where thestylus is applied. When the transfer sheet is applied during the imagecopying process, and particularly when it is desired to obtainmulti-color edible pictures, a transfer from the sheet to the food meansis preferred, since it enables coloring of the food means by severalexposures from the same light source image with different andreplaceable color transfer sheets. The image obtained this way is aproper color copy of the source image if the proper filter, such as thefilter 169, and proper color analysis, and synthesis of algorithms, areall cooperatively combined during usage of this image processor.

The preferred transfer sheet consists of a flexible foundation made ofpaper, fabric, cellophane, polyethylene, or other forms of plastic orresin or the like, with an inner surface which is capable of holding anedible ink, or other coloring means. For example, a transfer sheet mayconsist of a thin, non-toxic film filament paper, to which an ediblehydrophilic ink is applied, and which upon drying, a powder-like coatingremains on the surface of the paper, wherein said powder is looselybonded to the paper by an edible adhering material. When pressure isapplied, particles of the powder are pressed into the surface of thefood means 175, and released thereby from the foundation of the transfersheet itself.

The edible ink useful in this invention may include a liquid hydrophilicportion, which acts as a solvent, suspender, crystallization retarder,and carrier, and may be made of 25 percent to 95 percent of a colorableand edible ink fluid material, consising of a combination of water,glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethanol. A solid portion of the ink, andwhich is dissolved and/or suspended in said liquid, to act as a bindermaterial, or a bonding agent, in addition to having crystallizationretardent attributes, and anti-microbial additive element, and which isadded to the composition to between about 1 percent to 50 percent of theink, may consist of a combination of sucrose, dextrose, sorbitol,mannitol, corn syrup, and edible gums. A lypophilic plasticizer,designed to be less than 10 percent of the coloring ink, consists of anedible oil or fat and emulsified in a hydrophilic portion with anemulsifier having a high HLB, such as polysorbate 80. The coloringmaterial, which may comprise between 2 percent to 80 percent of the ink,consists of a combination of edible dyes and pigments. The proportionsof the ingredients of the edible ink consist essentially of:

water: 20% to 60%

glycerol: 5% to 25%

propylene glycol: 10% to 35%

sucrose: 1% to 5%

corn syrup: 1% to 5%

titanium dioxide: 5% to 35%

food coloring: Less than 1%. The preferred proportions among theseingredients that comprise the transfer ink or coloring ink of thisinvention depends upon the moisture absorbency of the foundationmaterial, and, as an example of an ink for a white transfer paper,suitable for application to a dark colored foodstuff, the followingproportions are given as an example:

water: 38%

glycerol: 16%

propylene glycol: 22%

sucrose: 3%

corn syrup: 3%

titanium dioxide: 18%--as the main pigment F.D. & C. yellow No. 5 andF.D. & C.

red No. 3--as dye stains, less than 1% in combination

In case the foodstuffs does have a dark color, as previously explained,and the transfer sheet carrys a light opaque color, i.e., as in a caseof "white mark on black background" image, wherever the picture elementis to be dark, the pulse duty cycle in the electromagnet of the scribinghead is set at one hundred percent operation, while the oppositeelectromagnet get a zero duty cycle pulse, and since very little or nomovement occurs, the printed line is very narrow, so that the darkbackground dominates the picture element as transferred. If, on theother hand, the picture element is maximally white, a pulse duty cycleof fifty percent is applied through the electromagnets, causing the armmovements to pivot at full amplitude and filling the foodstuff with thelight color. Intermediate brightness levels will cause intermediate dutycycles of operation, accordingly, and intermediate amplitude ofvibrations cause an intermediate degree of brightness of the printedpicture element. This writing through the use of the printing inks ofthis invention, as applied to varying color food base means, enablespressure transfer despite the relative softness of the foodstuff.

Various considerations have been given to the actual consistency, andcomposition of, the foodstuffs means to which the coloring image is tobe applied. The image receptive food means may comprise a foodstuff withproperties which are suitable for obtaining good printability throughthe copying process, or transfer process, and yet possesses foodqualities which make it attractive and similar to the conventionalfoodstuff, in addition to flavorable to the appetite and taste buds tobe served. It may consist of the original foodstuff normally used inconjunction with these type of edible products served, or it may beformed to other consistencies that are readily adaptable to receiveprinted images of the type disclosed herein, and yet blend favorablyinto the appearance of the final food product as it is served, and do soin an appetizing manner.

Where the invention is used for imprinting an image upon cakes, and forthe broad variety of cakes available, a sheet of the food means made forusage with this invention may comprise a modified confectioner's coatingof cake filling or icing as normally applied. But, in order to bemanipulated in the manner as is the foodstuffs 175 of this invention, orfor that as previously analyzed at 10, with respect to the operations ofthe apparatus of FIG. 2, the food means must be improvised in itsconsistency in order to be individually and independently handled andprocessed prior to application to the surface of a cake, or other foodmeans. Generally, confectioner's coating is made from hard fat, withother additives, such as the confectioner's coating generally describedin Ockerman, entitled "Source Book For Food Scientist" AVI PublishingCo., 1978, at page 410. The modifications to the icing or confectioner'scoating, and which may be to any shade or colors desired, such as of thevanilla, chocolate colors, or any of the intermediate dyed shades,require additional ingredients and modifications in order to enhancetheir texture for handling in the sheet form and for being hard enoughto accept the stylus pressure. These modifications entail the mixing ofthe original food with a fibrous, elastic edible material and shapingthe mixture into the form of a sheet. The fibers may consist of protein,cellulose, amorphous sugar, or gels. An example of the image receptor,and which is compatible to the transfer paper with the white ink of theexample explained above, is a mixture of twenty percent to eightypercent of molten confectioners chocolate, and a twenty percent toeighty percent ingredient of marshmallows, or related type of fibrousmaterial, such as the marshmallow textured material described in theGrettie, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,920. In addition, other candy withgelatin base fibers, mixed to obtain a fibrous phase of the marshmallowin the fatty chocolate matrix may be employed. The preferred mixconsists of chocolate in the range of seventy five percent, andmarshmallow in the range of twenty five percent, thoroughly mixed, inorder to provide a moldable texture that may be rolled into the sheetform, slightly dried, and then usable independently in the manner asexplained for the food means of this invention.

The manufacturing process for making the image receptor foodstuff meansof this invention consists of dispersing the fibrous phase into thefatty phase and continuously mixing the same, into a thorough mixture,and then extruding the same through an extruding slit, with the furtheroption of passing the extruded sheet also between a pair of adjacentrolling cylinders to make it thinner, smoother, and then placing thesheet on a packaging material, such as similar to the base member 176,as previously explained. The combination of materials may then be driedand cooled either by machine, or naturally. For the fabricatedchocolate-marshmallow combination, the process consists of pouring themolten chocolate, at a temperature betwen about 90° F. to 135° F. intothe molten marshmallow which is maintained at a temperature betweenabout 135° F. to 180° F., and then mixing them with a low shear ratemixture, extruding the mix through the extrusion slot, and continuingthe process in order to obtain a sheet of the same. Once the sheet ofmaterial is obtained, it may be dried, cooled, and then cut to thedimensions desired, and applied to the turntable, such as a turntable 9of FIG. 2, or in the alternative, may be packaged into cassette form, asexplained with respect to that shown in FIG. 11, and rested upon a basemember 176, prior to packaging and usage. Following this, the foodmeans, as developed, may be applied to the various apparatuses describedherein, and the image transferred directly from the photograph or otherpictorial member and from which an image is desired to be derived anddirectly imprinted onto, in some semblance, the food means of thisinvention. It is likely that other forms of edible foods may befabricated into the sheet form as herein explained, be furnished with atexture that would allow it to be handled independently by one of theappratuses of this invention, and having an image directly applied to itby the coloring transfer sheet, in combination with the stylus means,during the operations of one of the apparatuses described herein.

Variations or modifications to the invention as described herein mayoccur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the subject matter ofthis invention. Such variations, or modifications, if within the spiritof this invention, are intended to be encompassed in and protectedwithin the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing upon thisinvention. The description of the preferred embodiment set forth hereinis done so for illustrative purposes only.

Having thus described the invention which is claimed and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is:
 1. Food imprinting cassette means for usein combination with a food imaging process and apparatus incorporating astylus for use in transferring images, said cassette comprising, aflexible image imprintable foodstuff sheet having at least one smoothsurface capable of receiving the imprinting of an image thereon, saidsmooth surface normally maintained upon the upper side of the said sheetwhile located within the cassette, a support means for said sheet offoodstuff, said support means including a relatively nonflexible basemember made of packaging material, said foodstuff sheet having a lesserdiameter than the said base member upon which it rests, a pressuresensitive transfer sheet having a printing side which is disposed inproximity with and facing the smooth surface of the sheet of foodstuffs,said transfer sheet overlying said foodstuff sheet and extending beyondits diameter and being attached proximate its peripheral edges to aperipheral frame, said transfer sheet comprising a sheet of flexiblematerial, having a layer of at least one edible coloring materialapplied to the printing side of the said flexible material, said framebeing releasably adhered to the support means and said frame providingseparation of the transfer sheet from the foodstuff sheet sufficient toprevent untimely contact between said sheets but spaced sufficientlyclose such that slight pressures achieve contact transfer of saidcoloring material between said sheets such that upon application ofpressure to the opposite side of the transfer sheet by means of theapparatus stylus said coloring material is released upon contact ontothe smooth surface of the sheet of foodstuffs, said coloring materialbeing applied in such quantity to the flexible material to provide forits pressure transfer to the contiguous foodstuff upon application ofpressure by said stylus to the opposite side of the transfer sheet, andpackaging means enclosing said cassette providing for its packaging. 2.The invention of claim 1 and wherein said cassette includes means forattachment of pictorial or other representation to the bottom surface ofthe cassette to facilitate its prompt usage in combination with an imagereproducing apparatus for transferring of an image representation fromthe pictorial representation to the smooth side of the foodstuff sheet.3. The invention of claim 1 and wherein said pressure sensitiveimprinting sheet comprising a flexible material, formed of either paperor polymer, and wherein said coloring material is a layer of at leastone edible, pressure sensitive transfer ink applied to its undersurface, whereby upon application of pressure by means of the stylusmeans, select markings are transferred to the sheet of foodstuff.
 4. Theinvention of claim 3 and wherein said edible coloring material comprisesa hydrophilic colored ink, and whereby when dried, forms a coating uponthe said flexible foodstuff sheet.
 5. The invention of claim 4 andwherein said hydrophilic ink consists of a hydrophilic portion, a solidportion, a coloring agent and a plasticizer, and said plasticizer beingemulsified in the hydrophilic portion.
 6. The invention of claim 5 andwherein said hydrophilic portion consists of a combination of water,glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethanol; said hydrophilic portioncomprising from about twenty-five percent to ninety-five percent of thehydrophilic colored ink; said solid portion consists of a combination ofsucrose, dextrose, sorbitol, mannitol, corn starch, and edible gums, andbeing from about one percent to fifty percent of the hydrophilic coloredink, and a hydrophilic plasticizer consists of an edible oil or fattycomposition and being included at less than ten percent of thehydrophilic colored ink, the plasticizer being emulsified in thehydrophilic portion through usage of a polysorbate.
 7. The invention ofclaim 5 wherein said coloring agent consists of a combination of edibledyes and pigments being included in the composition.
 8. The invention ofclaim 1 and wherein the coloring material comprises an ink, and whereinthe ink consists essentially of:water: 20% to 60% glycerol: 5% to 25%propylene glycol: 10% to 35% sucrose: 1% to 5% corn syrup: 1% to 5%titanium dioxide: 5% to 35% food coloring: Less than 1%.